He also thought about his last chance to beat in-state rival Michigan.

So when Green found out Wednesday his knee was just sprained and he has the option to play Sunday (1 p.m., CBS), he knew such an injury couldn’t keep him from one final shot at the Wolverines.

“This is Michigan State,” Green said. “We’re built on toughness. I’m not going to sit this game out if I’m hurt. That’s what we do.”

Green said nothing short of death could sideline him for the rematch between No. 9 MSU (17-5 overall, 6-3 conference) and No. 23 U-M (17-6, 7-3) at Breslin Center. The Wolverines came out on top in the first meeting on Jan. 17 in Ann Arbor, 60-59, and have won three consecutive in the rivalry.

Still, Green and head coach Tom Izzo both feared the worst Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Then the MRI came back showing what Green described as a “perfect knee” with no structural damage, and Izzo said he was ecstatic.

“Big sigh of relief would be the understatement of the year,” Izzo said.

Back to practice Thursday, Green said his knee feels better each day. The swelling that did appear has gone down, and there’s now “a little bit of pain.”

Izzo said Green — who also is recovering from the flu — hasn’t been himself in practice yet, but he’s progressing each day. The 17-year head coach also said he doesn’t expect Green’s physical health to be an issue Sunday.

“Thank God he’s a tough kid,” Izzo said. “I think he’s going to be ready to play and be fine. I think he’s just a little apprehensive yet. … But for the most part, I think he’s doing great.”

For Green’s teammates, Wednesday’s MRI results left them happy as well. Sophomore guard Keith Appling said Green’s absence Tuesday made everything more difficult, and as the heart and soul of the Spartans, him simply being on the floor makes the game easier.

“He’s our leader — we need him out there on the floor,” Appling said. “Just for the fact that he demands so much attention, and he makes it comfortable for the other players on the floor on the defensive end and on the offensive end.”

With Green’s mobility in question, Izzo isn’t sure how effective Green will be individually on either end of the floor. Izzo said Green’s quickness and lateral movement is especially concerning because of the four-guard lineups the Wolverines often use.

But Green said he anticipates to be fine by the time opening tip rolls around, and he hopes U-M comes out and challenges him.

“Tell them to go at me and see if I can move,” Green said. “We’ll see Sunday if I can defend.”